Of sermon and snoozefest

“And so it happened to him…” 2 Kings 7:20

God’s word is startling. Here is a good example. Elisha had prophesied that within 24 hours the city of Samaria would go from horrifying starvation to plenteous bounty. The king’s messenger disbelieved it, and so the prophet added a second prophecy: the doubting messenger would see it, but not taste of it. And so it came about, when the people trampled him in the gate.

Prophets say outrageous things. It comes with the territory. They are the mouthpieces of the living God, and what he says is anything but expected. For instance, deep into a severe drought, Elijah told Ahab to mount his chariot and ride “lest the rain stop you” (1 Kings 18:44). Unreal! But the showers fell. This word is like it.

But it isn’t just these “little” things of his word that are outrageous, it’s the big things, the biggest things of all. God’s love for sinners expressed in the Lord Jesus Christ is an unbelievable matter. His first word in response to the fall was completely unexpected: I’m going to send a Savior to undo this. What! “This day,” he says to the thief beside him, “you shall be with me in Paradise.” And so it happened to him, and so it shall be with every wretched sinner who trusts him.

The concepts of Scripture enter our minds and take shape in our thoughts, but that is only the beginning. These are not just words and ideas; they are realities. Everything our God has spoken will appear, will turn real, in waking life. Buckle your seatbelt.